Matagorda County Veteran Obituaries

S

This is not a complete list of veterans.
 

SALAS, MIKE

Mike Salas, 57, of Pledger, died Monday, December 8, 2003 in a Houston hospital following a brief illness.

He was born on April 27, 1946 in Bay City, the son of the late Ben Salas and Rosie Pearline Smith Salas.

Mr. Salas was a lifelong resident of Pledger.

Following high school, he entered the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam crisis.

Mr. Salas was a farmer, having worked for the David Foehner Farms for the past 17 years. He married Lynette Badgett on January 21, 1983 in Wharton.

Mr. Salas loved to play dominoes and he enjoyed helping his grandchildren with their 4-H projects. He was Catholic by faith.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2003 at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Boling, with Father John Kunnathukuzhy officiating.

A rosary service was held at 9:30 a.m. prior to the funeral mass.

Graveside services with full military honors provided by the Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438 of Bay City and interment followed in Roselawn Cemetery in Van Vleck, Texas.

Wake services were held at 7 p.m. Friday December 12, 2003 at the Wharton Funeral Home.

Survivors include: his wife, Lynette Salas of Pledger; daughters, Carmen Douglas and husband Bill of Bay City, Jennifer Wagner and husband Glenn of Pledger; step-daughters, Tracy Drozd of Wharton, and Amy Warzecha of El Campo; son, Scott Salas and wife Deena of West Columbia; sisters, Rosemary Prochaska, Sandra Stavinoha and Elaine Broll, all of Wharton; brothers, Armand Salas of Van Vleck, Wayne Salas of Lufkin, Paul Salas of Bryan, and Ray Salas of Newgulf; and 13 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Carl Salas.

Memorials: Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Houston Chapter, 5075 Westheimer, Suite 682, Houston, Texas 77056.

The Bay City Tribune
Sunday, December 17, 2003
Matagorda County, Texas
 

SALINAS, ZARAGOZA G.

ZARAGOZA G. SALINAS

Funeral services for Zaragoza Gonsalez Salinas, 92, of Palacios were held Oct. 3, 2005 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.

He was born August 17, 1913 in Benavidas, TX to Mauricio Gonsalez Salinas and Bartola Gonsalez Salinas. He died Oct. 1, 2005.

He was a resident of Palacios since 1936, a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

He is survived by his wife Maria Salinas of Palacios; daughter Mary Ann Zuniga of Santa Fe; sons Alvin M. Salinas of Bay City and James Edward Salinas of San Antonio; sister Nieves Salinas Samora of Richmond; brother Mauricio Salinas of Palacios; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife: Bernice Leach Salinas; by his sons Zaragoza G. “Charlie” Salinas, Jr. and Christopher Salinas; sisters Maria Trevino and Frances Cunningham; brothers Jesus “Red” Salinas, Santos Salinas and Jose Salinas; 5 infant siblings; and grandson Robert Carlos Salinas.

Pallbearers were Fernando Aguilar, Jr., Juan Aguilar, Antonio Chavez, Justin Hargett, William Hargett, Edward Salinas, and Mark Salinas.

Arrangements were with Palacios Funeral Home.

The Palacios Beacon
Matagorda County, Texas
October 5, 2005
 

Hamilton W. Savage

Hamilton Wadsworth Savage

Hamilton Wadsworth Savage, 68, a widely-known Bay City rancher, died after a long illness in Houston’s Herman Hospital Sunday.

Savage was the grandson of Norman Savage who registered one of the oldest cattle brands in Texas, the Pitchfork, in 1842.  The Savage family settled in Matagorda County with Stephen F. Austin’s colony in 1833.

Savage, a native of Matagorda County, was a member of the First Methodist Church and a WWI veteran.

Funeral services will be held in the First Methodist Church of Bay City at 3 pm Monday.  The pastor, the Rev. Leslie Scott, will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Bay City. (Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck)

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Eva Robbins Savage; daughter, Mrs. Barbara Savage Stell; a son, Hamilton Wadsworth Savage, Jr.; a brother, Stewart Savage, and three sisters, Mrs. Beulah Cartwright, Mrs. Mae Gilmore and Mrs. Janie Milner, all of Bay City.

Post Texas News Service, November 7, 1965              Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

SCHMERSAHL, LEWIS JOHN, JR.

Lewis John Schmersahl, Jr.
(April 18, 1927 - June 30, 2007)

Lewis John Schmersahl, Jr. passed from this earthly life on June 30, 2007 to join the angels in heaven and to meet our almighty and merciful Father.

Lewis was born on April 18, 1927 in Rosenberg, TX to the late Lewis John and Bertha Foss Schmersahl. As a young man, Lewis was baptized into Christ by his brother-in-law, Dean Rhodes. From that day forward he was faithful to his Lord. He fellowshipped the Sweeny Church of Christ for many years. He married Lorine Joines July 22, 1952. They began their family together in Bay City, then Old Ocean and finally Sweeny.

Lewis served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946. He attended college at the University of Texas in Austin and was employed by Phillips Petroleum Company from 1947 to 1985, where he was nicknamed “Doc”.

Lewis was preceded in death by Lorine. He leaves behind daughters Brenda Wright of Bay City and Linda Northcutt of League City and son Don Schmersahl of Van Vleck; sister Fern Rhodes of Georgetown, TX; six grandchildren and four great grandsons.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at the building of the Church of Christ at 1200 Nichols Street in Bay City with Bro. Mel Strietelmier and Bro. Glen Organ speaking. He will be laid to rest at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing beside his partner in life. Pallbearers are grandson Don Schmersahl, grandson-in-law John Bundick, brothers in Christ Duane Ryman, Jeff Hubbard, Alfred Sabrsula and Jack Burt. Memorials may be made to World Bible Translation Center, 4028 Daley Ave., Ft. Worth, TX 76180 to further the work of the Lord. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.
 

SCHNEIDER, ALVIN "AL" HENRY

PALACIOS [Matagorda County, Texas] - Alvin "Al" Henry Schneider Sr., 82, of Palacios, died Friday, Oct. 3, 2003.

He was born Aug. 27, 1921, in Rockdale, to the late Charles E. and Mary Lou Worley-Schneider. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp, serving in WWII as a crew chief. He was a first class machinist, retiring from Alcoa. He was a Methodist.

Survivors: daughters, Sandra Koch of Palacios and Sharon Duke of Wallaceville; son, Alvin Henry Schneider Jr. of North Pole, Alaska; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: wife, Vera Lively Schneider; daughter, Tammy Lynn Schneider-Diaz; and brothers, J.B. Schneider and Charles E. Schneider Jr.

Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. tonight at First United Methodist Church.

Services will be 1 p.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Don Storey officiating.

Burial with military honors, under the auspices of Veterans of Foreign Wars-Queen Hamlin Post No. 2467, will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Artero Memorial Chapels, Port Lavaca, 361-552-2300.

The Victoria Advocate
Victoria, Victoria County, Texas
October 5, 2003

SCOTT, JOHN G. "JACK"

John G. “Jack” Scott, 76, of Sargent died May 9, 2003 at the Methodist Hospital in Houston. He was born August 9, 1926 in Goose Creek, Texas to the late John Gates and Mattie Gilchrease Scott. He was a resident of Sargent since 1968 since 1968, a veteran of WWII serving in the US Navy, a life member of Sargent VFW Post # 2412, and was a director for Matagorda Co. Drainage District A. A. for the past 32 years.

Jack served as past president of the following; Sargent Area Chamber of Commerce, Caney Creek M. V. D., S. A. V. E. S (Sargent Area Volunteer Emergency Services), Downey Caney Creek Club, Caney Creek Estates Club, and Sargent Area Volunteer Fire Dept. and was a former Chief for nine years.

Survivors include: wife, Nina Frost Scott of Sargent; daughter, Sharon Scott Jones of Conroe; son and daughter-in-law, John B. and Vicki Scott of Conroe; step-sons, Michael McGinnis of Flower Mound, Texas, Carl McGinnis of Frankermuth, Mich., Steve McGinnis of Reese Mich., and Jeff McGinnis of Sebewaing, Mich; six grandchildren, Shanon Jones, Renee McDonald, Christopher Scott, Tonya Allen, John Lee Scott and Carter Dean Scott; one great grandson, Matthew Allen; and eight step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia McDonald; son, Carter Dean Scott; sisters, Margaret Tullis, Katy Crunk; brother, Arthur Daniels.

Graveside Military Honors under the auspices of Philip H. Parker VFW Post #2438 and Sargent VFW Post # 2412, were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2003, at Roselawn Memorial Park  Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers were Mike, Carl, Steve, Jeff, Eric McGinnis, John Lee Scott and Shannon Jones.

Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00014D2003MY14

The Bay City Tribune
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Matagorda County, Texas

SHEPARD, THOMAS A.

Thomas A. Shepard, 57, of Bay City, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2001. He was born November 18, 1943 in Albany, Ore., to Neil Addison Shepard and Goldie Louise Goodman Shepard.

He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church of Bay City, a member of the First Methodist Wesley Class, a former Operator at Texaco Oil Company and a veteran of the US Navy serving during the Vietnam era. He was the First Vice Commander of Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438 of Bay City. He had been a member of the post since 1977, and had held all the officer positions up to First Vice Commander. He was a forthright and strong team member of the post and he worked diligently for the betterment of all veterans. He was a member of Bay City Post 11 of the American Legion and was a Past Commander of the Post. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 230 of Bay City serving as Chapter Judge Advocate. He was also a member of the Joint Veterans Organizations Honor Guard Detail, which is composed of members of the VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Shepard of Bay City; sons, David Addison Shepard, Thomas Wane Shepard and James Allen Shepard, all of Bay City; by his aunt, June Taylor of Bay City; and his grandchildren, Jessica Nicole Shepard, Ashlee Elizabeth Shepard, David Addison Shepard, Jr. and Thomas Wane Shepard, II. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil A. and Goldie Shepard.

The Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Monday, October 29, 2001 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park  in Van Vleck.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001OT30

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, October 30, 2001                                Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

SHERRER, DAVID NEAL


SINTON - David Neal Sherrer, a Marine Corps veteran and owner of an oil industry construction company in California, died Jan. 2, 2003. He was 67.

Survivors include two daughters, Susan Sherrer of Santa Paula, Calif., and Sherri McDonald of Bakersfield, Calif.; a son, Jason Sherrer of Taft; two stepsons, John and Fred Hust, both of Los Angeles; his father, George Sherrer of Sinton; a sister, Sally Sherrer of Sinton; a brother, Richard Sherrer of Sinton; and two grandchildren.

Services will be at a later date at Holly [Hawley] Cemetery, [near] Bay City [Matagorda County, Texas].

Seaside Funeral Home

Corpus Christi Caller-Times
January 4, 2003

SHUGART, WELTON TATE, SR.

PALACIOS [Matagorda County, Texas] - Welton Tate Shugart, Sr., 79, of Palacios, died Sunday, April 11, 2004.

He was born December 29, 1924 in Pride, to the late Even Jefferson and Evelyn Harris Shugart. He was a member of Carpenter's Local No. 1266 in Austin and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army.

Survivors: wife, Carol Smith Shugart of Palacios; daughters, Patricia Ann Carpenter of Taylor, Evelyn Eugeneutia Gauna of Tempe, Ariz., and Sharon K. Holbrook of Palacios; sons, Welton T. Shugart Jr. of Carmel, Ind., and Michael Evan Shugart of Willow Springs, N.C.; sister, Beatrice Quinn of Belton; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin 2 p.m. today at Palacios Funeral Home chapel.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Palacios Cemetery, the Rev. Steve Tompkins officiating. Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, 361-972-2012.

The Victoria Advocate
Victoria, Victoria County, Texas
April 13, 2004

SIFFORD, PAUL LINDY

Paul Lindy Sifford, 74, of Markham died December 10, 2001 at Matagorda General Hospital. He was born May 6, 1927 in Palacios, Texas to the late Oscar Lee and Mary May Downer Sifford. Mr. Sifford was a resident of Markham since 1953, a veteran of WWII serving in the U. S. Army, a member of the American Legion and Woodman of the World.

Survivors include: wife, Lillian Anderson Sifford of Markham; sister, Ruth Florine Smudrick of Bay City; and two brothers: Robert Lee Sifford and William Paul Sifford both of Bay City.

Pallbearers are Louise Kopnicky, Joe Cruz, Cris Hadish, James W. Lynn, T. Hall Lynn and James Henry Lynn.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, December 14, 2001 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001DC14

THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Friday, December 14, 2001
Matagorda County, Texas
 

SIMPSON, THELBERT E.
 

SLIVA, SYLVESTER JAMES
 

SMITH, FRANK HOWARD
June 21, 1927 - Jan. 1, 2006

Frank Howard Smith, 78, of Bay City, passed from his earthly home to the waiting arms of his loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 1, 2006.

He was born June 21, 1927, in Charco, Texas, to the late Henry Alonzo and Emma Elizabeth Hall Smith.

Frank served in the Texas Defense Guard as a sergeant in E. Company, 47th Battalion and in the Texas State Guard as a corporal in the same company and battalion.

On June 7, 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in both Berlin, Germany, and Panama as a corporal in the Military Police Corps and as a light-duty truck driver and was honorably discharged on May 24, 1949, receiving both the good conduct medal and marksman rifle M-1 status.

On December 6, 1949, he enlisted in the Ready Reserve (active status) as a corporal where he received an honorable discharge upon serving faithfully until July 14, 1954.

On June 19, 1953, Frank married Margaruett Joy (Kyle) and they settled in Sweeny, Texas, to start a home and family. In 1961, they moved to Bay City to be closer to his parents and built a new home on Lindsey Avenue.

They raised four children together until her unexpected death in 1989.

Frank retired from Phillips Petroleum Company refinery in Old Ocean in 1985 as a gauger after 34 loyal and dedicated years of employment.

His retirement years were spent doing the things that he loved the most: sharing time with his children and family and participating in their many activities.

On October 10, 1998, Frank remarried, exchanging vows with Rose Williamson, who became his constant companion, best friend and caregiver for the rest of his days.

Survivors include his wife, Rose, of Bay City, and his four children: son, Kyle and wife Laura of El Campo; daughters, Elizabeth Gay and husband Glenn Ward Easterly of Thornton, Texas, Mary Ann Knowles and husband John of Seabrook, Texas, and Jacqueline Lea Webber and husband Kelly John of Bay City; and grandchildren, Erin and Megan Smith, Laura Elizabeth Harrell, Glenn “Bubba” Ward Easterly, Jr., Kimberly Knowles, Brandi Lee Hudson and Christopher Webber.

Also: great-grandchildren, Alayna Harrell and Katelyn Hudson; brother, Henry Alonzo Smith and wife Kate Nederland, Texas, and their children, Ronnie Smith and wife Donna, and Debbie Burton and husband Don; and sister, Mary Beth Etie of Bay City.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Frank Howard Smith, Jr., and granddaughter, Crystaline Dawn Webber.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2006, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, with the Bro. Joe Wrape officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Smith, Kelly Webber, John Knowles, Glenn Easterly, “Bubba” Easterly and Chris Webber.

Honorary pallbearers will be Arthur Wagner, Clark Bergstrom, Bill Sifford and all employees of Matagorda Rehab and Nursing Center in Bay City.

The family received friends at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to El Campo Hospice, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo, Texas 77437.

The assistance and tender loving care of the nursing staff during his last few weeks is much appreciated and will never be forgotten. Also special appreciation also is extended to the Hospice groups.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, (979)245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, January 4, 2006         Photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham

SMITH, GEORGE

Funeral services for George Smith, 68, of Bay City, Texas, will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Bay City with the Rev. L. C. Cunningham Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at East View Cemetery in Bay City.

Mr. Smith will lie in state Wednesday at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church from noon until 1 p.m. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon until 9 p.m. at Green's Mortuary.

On October 4, 1931, a baby boy was born to Roy Smith and Laura Jones Smith in Bay City. George passed away September 31, 2000 at his residence. He graduated from Hilliard High School in Bay City and attended Prairie View College. He was enlisted in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. He was a Korean Veteran with duties in six countries. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was employed with the Bay City Independent School District for 19 years.

He is survived by two sons, Pastor Hughley McClinton and wife Cassandra of Milwaukee, Wis., and George S. Miller of Bay City; five daughters, Shelia G. Thomas and Leonard of Texarkana, Texas, Gloria A. Smith, Joice E. Smith, Robbin S. Bryant and Kimberly Bonner and James, all of Houston; a sister, Joyce Adams of Jose, Calif.; three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Royster of Houston, Thelma Reeves and Doris Royster of Bay City; ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild; special friends, Mary E. Smith, Vivian Mims, and Tommy L. Castilow, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Smith was preceded in death by his parents and brother.

Active pallbearers will be Jeffrey Royster, Clinton Barnes, Thomas Englehardt, Romale Green, Frederick Woodard, James Bonner, Nathaniel Moore, Ed Ash. Honorary pallbearers will be Pastor Hughley McClinton, Brandon Bryant, Tommy L. Castilow, George S. Miller, and Tramale Green.

Green's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. A00011A2000OT3

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, October 3, 2000      
 

SMITH, GEORGE ALFRED

George Alfred Smith, 86, of Durango, CO died June 11, 2001 at his residence in Durango. He was born February 3, 1915 in Texarkana, AR to the late George Robert and Vola M. Carter Smith. Mr. Smith was a resident of Durango the past 4 years and a former longtime resident of Bay City. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church, and was in the sheet metal business in Bay City for many years, and was a Veteran of WWII serving in the US Army Air Force. Mr. Smith was a devoted father and was faithful to his Lord and his church.

Survivors include: three daughters and two sons-in-law: Joan and James Harper of Hattiesburg, MS, Nellie and Ronald Hassksma of Houston, and Wanda Garner of Durango, CO; two sons and daughters-in-law; Russell and Monica Smith of Texarkana, TX and Michael and Tonya Smith of Bay City; brother, Gene Smith of Bay City; three sisters, Ernestine Fikes of AR, Georgie Knight of Houston, and Shirley Barfield of Sweeny; 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Wanda Jo Smith, and by two sons, Royce R. Smith and Terry G. Smith.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2001, at Roselawn Memorial Park  Cemetery in Van Vleck with Revs. Marvin Moore and Samuel Starks officiating. Arrangements are by Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001JN19

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, June 19, 2001                             Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Wanda Jo Smith

Funeral services for Wanda Jo Smith, 72, of Durango, Colo. were held at 2 pm Monday, June 7, 1999 at First United Pentecostal Church in Bay City, with Revs. Marvin Moore and Same Starks officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Mrs. Smith died June 4 in Bay City.  She was born July 29, 1926 in Ben Franklin, Tex. to the late Larkin Jasper and Myrtle Dean Mullings Brumley.  She was a member of First United Pentecostal Church in Durango, a resident of Durango for the past two years, and a former resident of Bay City for 63 years.

Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband, George A. Smith of Durango; daughters and son-in-laws, Wanda Garner of Durango, Joan and James Harper of Hattiesburg, Miss., and Nellie Jean and Ronald Haakasma of Houston; sons and daughters-in-law, Rusty and Monica Smith of Anchorage, Ala., and Gordon Mike and Tonya Smith of Bay City; sisters, Frankie Socha of Magnolia, Hazel Andrews and Thelma Gola both of Bay City, and Faye Hadley of Chatom, Ala.; brother Jack Brumley of Bay City; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Royce Ray Smith and Terry Glen Smith; sister, Edna Stone; and two brothers, Austin and H. T. Brumley.

Pallbearers were George, Steve, and Destry Kirk, Kevin Kirk, Josh Smith, Matthew Haakasma, Carl Ford, and Gordon Smith.  Memorials may be made to the United Pentecostal Church, 1990 Florida Rd, Durango, CO, 81301.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, June 9, 1999           Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

SMITH, JACOB

Jacob Smith, another Texas Veteran, passed away at the ripe old age of 84 years, Sunday night, after a lingering illness at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. C. Bruce. He was taken to Kenner for interment in the family burying ground. He leaves a large family to mourn him. They have the sympathy of their friend.

Name of newspaper unknown
July 24, 1903
Matagorda County, Texas

JACOB SMITH

The remains of Uncle Jacob Smith were brought up from Matagorda last Monday evening and intered in the Kenner cemetery. Another old land mark has passed away. Uncle Jacob has spent more than three score years in this immediate neighborhood and has many friends who mourn his death. He will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but the entire community who sympathise with the sorrowing ones in this sad bereavement.

Name of newspaper unknown
August 7, 1903
Matagorda County, Texas
 

SMITH, LEON

Leon Smith
(April 12, 1926 - July 10, 2007)

Leon Smith, 81 of Palacios, TX, passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2007. He was born April 12, 1926 in Ada, OK to Olin Ray Smith and Ruth May Conely Smith. He was a longtime resident of Palacios and was a shrimper and a welder. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Palacios and a veteran of the US Army.

He is survived by his daughters: Cathy Shearin & husband Bruce of Rocky Mount, NC, Margaret Smith of Palacios, and Terry Brooks & husband David of Victoria; by his son-in-law: Delbert Dannels of Bay City; and his sister: Kathleen Caldwell of Bay City. He was preceded in death by his wife: Kathalene Smith; his parents: Olin Ray and Ruth Smith; and his daughter: Ann Dannels.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, July 13, 2007 at the First Baptist Church of Palacios with Pastor David Gruhn officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Pallbearers will be Garry Seaman, Greg Seaman, Ricky Milam, Mark Bates, Vernon Bates, Jr., and James Georgi. Honorary pallbearers will be the Employees of Gold Coast Seafood and his fellow shrimpers.

SMITH, RAYMOND LEE

Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City

SPARKS, GEORGE

Sept. 26, 1921 - Aug. 20, 2005

George Sparks, 83, of Palacios, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2005, in Houston, Texas.

He was born September 26, 1921, in Waco, Texas, to Ernest C. and Jennie West Sparks.

He attended high school in Blanco, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA and master’s degrees in agriculture education.

He taught agriculture for 10 years before becoming a rice farmer and rancher near Palacios in 1958.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army as a First Lt. in the 54th Armored Infantry, 18th Division.

On November 27, 1944, his squad was captured by the Germans during the battle at the Siegfried Line.

After five months as a P.O.W., he was liberated by the American troops in April 29, 1945.

He is survived by: his wife of 58 years, Beulah Mae (Gunter) Sparks of Palacios; his sister, Mary M. Hickman of Midland; nephew, Jack Hickman of Midland; nieces, Shirley (Gunter) Kelly of Ganado, and Joyce (Gunter) Bannerot of Austin; great-niece, Rachel Hickman of Midland; great-nephews, Travis Rogers of San Diego, California, and Gunter Kelly of Ganado; and by his sister-in-law, Willie M. Simpson of Ganado.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church of Palacios, with the Rev. Ray Wells officiating.

Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Gene Allen, Alton Nelsen, Dean Kubecka, Sonny Johs, Joe Ray Beard and John Toellner.

Honorary pallbearers are the Palacios Lions Club and United Methodist Men.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 209 Lucas, Palacios, TX 77465.

Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, Texas (361)972-2012.

Bay City Tribune
August 24, 2005
Matagorda County, Texas
 

STARK, DENNIS RUBE

STARK

Dennis Rube Stark, 53, of Bay City died February 25, 2001 at Matagorda General Hospital. Dennis was born October 9, 1947 in Jasper, Texas to the late Ruben Edward and Donita Brannon Stark. He was a resident of Bay City since 1984 and was a mechanical engineer with STP. He served aboard various submarines in the United States Navy's silent service from June 1967 to September 1979, which included the U.S.S. George C. Marshall (SSBN), U.S.S. Ben Franklin (SSBN), and the U.S.S. John Adams (SSBN).

Survivors include: wife, Shirley Eileen Childers Stark of Bay City; son and daughter-in-law, Richard Arthur and Heather Stark of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law, Andrea De and Rick Savage, Jr. of Iago, Texas; daughter, Tabitha Gean Stark of El Campo; sister and brother-in-law, Susie and Don Chance of Alma, Ark,; brother, Mason Edward Stark of Alma; five grandchildren, Jonathan Wakefield, Colton Stark, Ricky Johnson, Cory Savage and Cheyenne Savage all of Iago, Texas.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 2, 2001, at the First Baptist Church of Bay City with the Rev. Donald Reed officiating. Interment will be at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tom Jordan, Tim Hall, Steve Thomas, Louis West, Len Casella, Ken House, Carlos Gonzales and Jerry Don Head. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Stark, Rick Savage, Jr., Harvey, Jim, and Shaun Childers, and Joe Stuber.

The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001MR01

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, March 1, 2001                         Photos courtesy of Betty Crosby

Jesse B. Staten
Roselawn Memorial Park , Van Vleck, Texas
 

STEFFEK, EDWIN BEN

STEFFEK

Edwin Ben Steffek, 76, a resident of Blessing passed away at the Matagorda General Hospital September 12. He had been a resident of Blessing for 41 years, was a World War I veteran, and was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing.

Survivors include: wife, Victoria Steffek of Blessing; son, Milton Steffek of El Campo; sisters, Louise Horak, Tony Knitz and Lidia Knitz all of Needville; brother, Emil Steffek of Needville; 3 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 14, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing with Father Jerome Stryke officiating. Rosary was said Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at Taylor Brothers Chapel. Interment will be at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Blessing.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, Thursday, September 13, 1973
 

STELL, TRAVIS E.

Travis E. Stell, 85, of Bay City died Wednesday, June 13, 2001 in Bay City. He was born January 18, 1916 in Navidad, Texas to J. C. and Genievine Hess Stell. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the Army Air Corp, He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City.

He is survived by daughter, Patricia Koening of Cuero; sons, John C. Stell of Victoria, Davis Stell of Sugar Valley, sister, Nell Frazier; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Geraldine Stell, sons, Travis W. Stell; sister, Jesse Stell; brothers, Charles and James Stell.

Pallbearers include; Charles Koenig, Curtis Dykes, Clinton Smith, David B. Stell, Daniel W. Stell, and Donald Keil.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, June 15 at Taylor
Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001JN15

THE DAILY TRIBUNE. Friday, June 15, 2001

Geraldine Ward Stell

Funeral services for Geraldine Ward Stell, 75, of Bay City were scheduled for 3 p. m. today at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Burial will be at Cedarvale cemetery in Bay City.

Mrs. Stell was born Sept. 22, 1917 in Arcadia, La. to John Felix and Mary Lucille Ford Ward and died March 28, 1993 at Matagorda General Hospital.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Bay City.

Survivors include her husband, Travis Stell of Bay City; a daughter, Patricia Koening of Cuero; two sons, John Charles Stell of Victoria and David Wayne Stell of Van Vleck; two sister, Nancy Louise Felda of Edna and Mary Frances Hicks of El Campo; and eight grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be David Bryant Stell, David Wayne Stell, Troy Stell, Charles T. Koening, Stephen Sanders and James Sanders.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, March 29, 1993
 

STEPHENS, JOHN WESLEY

John Wesley Stephens, 80, of LaPorte, Texas died June 10, 2001 at Bay Coast Hospital in LaPorte. He was born July 15, 1920 in St. Petersburg, Fla., to the late Jesse Sydney and Georgia O'Neal Stephens. Mr. Stephens was a member of the Methodist Church, a resident of LaPorte the past 6 years, a former longtime resident of Markham, and a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army.

Survivors include: three daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and George Burket, Shirley and Carl Dodson all of Lake Jackson, and Judy and Dennis Bledsoe of Houston; son, Stephen Stephens; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Freda Stephens and his son Byron Kevin Stephens.

Graveside funeral service will be 11 a.m Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at Cedarvale Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001JN12

THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Tuesday, June 12, 2001
Matagorda County, Texas
 

STONESTREET, DAVID GAIL

David Gail Stonestreet, Sr.
Dec. 21, 1930 - Oct. 10, 2005

David Gail Stonestreet, Sr., 74, of Blessing, passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Victoria, Texas.

He was born Dec. 21, 1930, in Abbyville, Kansas, to David Stonestreet and Ellen Copenhaven Stonestreet.

He was a resident of Matagorda County for the past 21 years and was a U.S. Marine veteran of the Korean Conflict, a member of the International Brotherhood of Electricians Local No. 716 of Houston, Texas, and a retired industrial electrician.

He is survived by: his wife, Martha Waites Stonestreet of Blessing; his son, David Gail Stonestreet, Jr. and wife Colby of Blessing; and his grandson, Drake Lee Stonestreet of Blessing.

Graveside funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005 at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas.

Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, Texas (361) 972-2012.

Bay City Tribune, October 12, 2005

 

Floyd Earl Strubar
Roselawn Memorial Park , Van Vleck, Texas
 

Wiley Gene Stuart
(January 17, 1943 - August 27, 2005)

Wiley Gene Stuart, 63, of Kerrville, TX died August 27, 2005 at the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, TX. He was born January 17, 1943 in Bay City to the late Wiley and Zelma Blanche Woodward Stuart. He was a resident of Kerrville the past 5 years and a former longtime resident of Van Vleck, TX. He was a veteran of the Viet Nam war, and was a member of the Disable American Veterans Chapter # 230, and a life member of the P. H. Parker Post # 2438, Bay City. Survivors include: son: Michael Wayne Stuart of Van Vleck, TX; sister: Charlotte Burrough of Van Vleck, TX; and 3 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Marshall Stuart, Sr. Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, September 3, 2005 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Russell Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Charlie Black, Kenney Hales, Jay Crochet, Rayan Marshall, David Burrough, Robert Marshall, Jr. The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City (979)245-4613.

http://www.taylorbros.net/index.cfm
 

A. N. Sullivan

Funeral services for A. N. (Audry) Sullivan, 76, of Bay City were scheduled for 5 p.m. today at First Christian Church with the Rev. David Kleinfeldt officiating. Burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park , Van Vleck.

Mr. Sullivan was born Jan. 27, 1914, in Louise to Thomas Horton and Ora Mitchell Sullivan and died May 16, 1990, three miles north of Palacios on Texas 35 as a result of an automobile accident.

He was a member of the First Christian Church, a life-time member of VFW Post 2438 and American Legion Blessing Post 649. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, serving in the U. S. Navy. He retired from Phillips Petroleum April 1, 1977, after 25 years of service.

Survivors include his wife, Vi Sullivan of Bay City; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Charles Ricky and Margaret Sullivan of Houston and Randy D. Sullivan of Houston; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan K. and James Warren of Ocean Springs, Miss.; four grandchildren, Lee Ashley Sullivan of Bay City, Clay Sullivan of Houston, Trey H. Sullivan of Lake Jackson, Chele Knapp of Lake Jackson and Elise Warren of Ocean Springs, Miss.; and an uncle Weldon Sullivan of Galveston; dear friends, Terry and Kay and a host of other friends and relatives.

Pallbearers include Happy Johnson, Sonny Johnson, Glenn Johnson, Bruce Coffer, Bill Howze, Steve Hicks, Raymond Stridde and Dale Withrow.

Honorary pallbearers will be all EMS personnel at Taylor Brothers, Larry Dulany and Bob Wilkins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall Building Fund.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City,

The Daily Tribune, May 18, 1990     Photo courtesy of Vi Sullivan                           Marker photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

SUTHERLAND, J. D.
 

SWINFORD, FRANK LEVI, JR.

Frank Levi Swinford

July 10, 2005 - Aug. 27, 2005

Frank Levi Swinford, Jr. 81, of Sun City, Arizona died August 27, 2005 at Sun Health Hospice in Peoria, Arizona.

He was born July 10, 1924 in Bay City, Texas to the late Frank Levi, Sr and Slamonia Lewis Swinford.

Mr. Swinford was a resident of Sun City since 1998 and a former longtime resident of Bay City where he grew up and spent most of his life. He was member of St. Paul's Methodist Church, a veteran of WW II serving in the US Navy, and he was a Phillips Petroleum retiree after 35 years of service.

Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Survivors include: wife, Carla J. Swinford of Sun City, Arizona; daughter and son-in-law, Polly and David Guidry of Bay City; several step children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also is survived by two sisters and many friends.

A Memorial Graveside Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2005 at Cedarvale Cemetery with the Rev. Tom Morgan officiating.

Local arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Bay City Tribune
September 14, 2005
Matagorda County, Texas
 

SWINKY, EDWARD EMIL

Edward Emil Swinky

Dec. 11, 1925 - Dec. 15, 2005

Edward Emil Swinky, Sr., 80, of Bay City, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2005, in Pasadena, Texas.

He was born December 11, 1925, in Sealy, Texas, to John Swinky and Emily Esterak Swinky.

He was a resident of Bay City for 54 years and worked for Rugeley Motor Company for 20 years.

He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a charter member of the American Legion in Blessing, and a Life Member of the Philip H. Parker VFW Post No. 2438 of Bay City.

He is survived by: his wife, Helen Margaret Sims Swinky of Bay City; daughters, Marilyn Murray and husband Robert of Dickinson, and Donna Clardy of Bay City; sons, Edward “Eddie” Swinky, Jr. and wife Mary of Mathis, and Darryl Swinky of Bacliff; son-in-law, Eric Libby of Texas City; sisters, Wilma Vavra of El Maton, Frances Dusek of East Bernard, Doris Johs of Blessing, Geraldine Strelec of Edna, Margaret Fehmel of Bay City, and Patsy Scott of Seabrook; brother, Johnny Swinky of Florida; four grandchildren, Robin Martinez, Wendy Murray, Joe Clardy and Kelly Clardy; and by two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, John J. and Emily Swinky; daughter, Darlene Frances Libby; three sisters, Annie Mae Hurta, Emily Herring and Louise Bohing; and granddaughter, Tammy Murray.

The rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2005, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel.

The funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2005, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating.

Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas, with military honors.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas (979)245-4613.

Bay City Tribune
December 18, 2005
Matagorda County, Texas
 

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